The C&C Auto Show

#2057 - Rat Rods, Route 66 & the Machines Behind the Metal

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Rat Rod Road Trips, Project Cars & the Technology Behind Modern Manufacturing

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From a 5,852-mile rat rod adventure to the latest technology shaping sheet-metal manufacturing, this episode of the C&C Auto Show celebrates the machines, projects, and people that keep car culture moving. Broadcasting from Coffee and Cars in downtown Augusta, the show catches up with Jim Bevans and his 1949 Diamond T flamethrowing tow truck before hearing about his 19-day road trip through Colorado, Nevada, Route 66, and beyond. The journey included extreme heat, rough roads, broken mounts and axles, roadside repairs, and plenty of stories from hundreds of rat rod enthusiasts.

The conversation also proves that car enthusiasm isn't limited to polished classics or exotic sports cars. A Chrysler Town & Country project leads into a fascinating discussion of custom builds, manufacturing careers, CO2 and fiber laser technology, and how precision laser cutting has transformed sheet-metal production. Along the way, the crew talks about roadside emergency gear, project-car communities, skilled trades, and the value of having knowledgeable people you can call when something breaks. Listen to or watch the embedded episode for the complete conversation and the sights and sounds of Coffee and Cars in Augusta.

Questions and Answers

Quick episode takeaways covering the Rat Rod Tour, Route 66 road-trip challenges, project cars, roadside essentials, and modern laser-cutting technology.

How far did Jim Bevans drive his rat rod on the trip?

Jim said the complete trip from North Augusta, South Carolina, and back totaled 5,852 miles. The journey took 19 days and included a large loop through Colorado, Nevada, Route 66, and other parts of the country.

What was the Rat Rod Tour like?

Jim described an approximately 1,800-mile tour with roughly 200 rat rods traveling together on average. Hundreds of rat rods gathered for the event, with participants coming from across the United States and Canada.

What problems did the rat rods experience on Route 66?

Rough sections of Route 66 caused serious mechanical challenges, including broken transmission mounts, motor mounts, hubs, and even an axle tube. The group included people equipped to make repairs, including a participant with a functioning welder truck.

How did the rat rod handle the extreme heat?

The travelers encountered temperatures above 100 degrees during the trip. Jim added an electric pusher fan for additional cooling and reported no major overheating problems, while staying hydrated became especially important for the people inside the unair-conditioned truck.

What should drivers consider keeping in a roadside emergency kit?

The show recommends having useful roadside equipment available before a problem happens. Examples discussed include basic tools, a portable battery jump box, a tire inflator, and an extra phone charging cord, with additional items varying by season.

Do you need a classic or exotic car to attend Coffee and Cars?

No. The show emphasizes that Coffee and Cars is for people who enjoy all kinds of vehicles. A daily driver, minivan, project car, custom build, classic, or sports car can all be part of the same enthusiast community.

Can an ordinary vehicle become a project car?

Absolutely. One guest brought a 2006 Chrysler Town & Country specifically to demonstrate that almost anything can become a project. His goal is to continue repairing the minivan and keep driving it rather than treating project-car enthusiasm as something reserved for expensive vehicles.

How are lasers used in automotive and sheet-metal manufacturing?

Industrial lasers can precisely cut sheet metal without the cutting head physically contacting the material. The episode explains that laser processes are widely used in sheet-metal manufacturing and can also trim formed automotive components after other production steps.

What is the difference between CO2 and fiber laser technology?

The episode describes older CO2 systems as requiring equipment such as gas supplies, vacuum components, and substantial cooling and electrical power. Newer fiber systems operate differently, offer greater efficiency, and require important safety precautions because of the laser wavelength.

Why is networking important in automotive and skilled-trade careers?

The guests describe experienced technicians regularly sharing knowledge and helping one another solve difficult problems. As technology changes, that relationship can work both ways, with veteran technicians teaching established skills while younger technicians help colleagues learn newer systems.

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